The Monkey’s Paw by W. W. Jacobs

 

The Monkey’s Paw by W. W. Jacobs

 

Characters: Herbert White-Child of the White Family, Mrs. White-Mother of Herbert, Mr. White-Father of Herbert, Sergeant Major Morris-Old Friend of Mr. White, The Visitor

 

Exposition: In a cold and wet night, a small parlor at Laburnum Villa had Mr. White playing chess with his son, Herbert White. Meanwhile Mrs. White is knitting near the fire. A person named Sergeant Major Morris walked up to the door and knocked, he then entered and started talking about something he got from India, it was a monkey’s paw. The paw wasn’t just a regular paw. In fact, it was a magical one that gave 3 wishes.

 

Rising Action: Morris told him about its powers, but warned him that it has side effects. But Morris threw the paw into the fire to let it burn, and Mr. White went in to take it. He then held his hand up, and wished for 200 pounds, not realizing the side effects about to happen. Unfortunately, a visitor came and told the White family that Herbert got caught in a machinery and died.

 

Climax: There was one wish left, and suddenly, Mrs. White demanded the paw from him in order to bring back their dead son. She told him to go find it, and he did.

 

Resolution: His wife took it from him and wished for their son to be alive again. Suddenly, knocking on the door appeared, and it got louder until it stopped. Mrs. White opened the door, but there was no one.

 

Summary: In Laburnum Villa, the white family were relaxing, having a good time, until they get a visit from Sergeant Major Morris, who he shows a monkey’s paw that was capable of making 3 wishes. Mr. White wished for 200 Pounds. But the next day, his son Herbert died in a machinery. When there was one wish left, they wished for their son to be alive again, but unfortunately, it didn’t work.

 

My Opinion: In my opinion, I did like the story because it was beyond belief to read. (The Monkey’s Paw by W. W. Jacobs) was great to read because of its interesting text.